This is Janette Mendez's avatar and link to their profile

Janette Mendez

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I work with a wide range of individuals, from children to teenagers, adults and the elderly. My Clinical experience includes: anxiety, depression, life transitions, social anxiety, self-esteem, mood disorders, anger management, and behavioral issues. My focus is on improving patient well-being and helping others overcome personal obstacles. In a non-judgmental, supportive and empowering manner, I focus on goal-oriented counseling that empowers clients to create change in their own lives. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the needs of each individual, utilizing traditional therapeutic techniques, and Mindfulness based therapies. I am honored to walk along side you and support you on this journey. I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is James Phillips's avatar and link to their profile

James Phillips

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoaching
20 years of experience

Hi. My name is Rob Phillips. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been in the field of counseling for over twenty years since my first short internship during my undergraduate work. I am skilled and knowledgeable in several counseling theories and modalities so I try to mold my approach to fit my client. I have experience working with crisis intervention, residential mental health, substance abuse, active duty military and children in Foster care. I received my Masters degree in counseling in 2009, and was licensed in the state of Florida in 2014. My job roles have ranged from staff counselor all the way up to Chief Clinical Officer for a statewide organization. I would describe my approach as very client centered with goal setting that will allow us to collaborate on the best approach and practice to succeed in accomplishing the goals clients describe for counseling The act of reaching out to identify ways of doing things better is a brave first step. I believe that this is the first action in a series of actions someone can take to enrich their lives , achieve personal goals, and live a life that is more authentically them

Get started View profile
This is Dale Eichenberg's avatar and link to their profile

Dale Eichenberg

Offering therapy in FL
License: LPC,Provisional LMHC
Relationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello I have been a counselor for approximately 12 years. During those 12 years I have dealt with marriage and family issue, have5 plus years in this area alone. I have worked with parents and families involved in the foster care system, as well as Individuals with Major Depression and some alcohol use and abuse, just to name a few. I am a well rounded counselor who is openminded and nonjudgmental. I have a Master's in Arts from Siena Heights University in Community Counseling and attended the DBT Institute in Michigan . My treatment approaches are eclectic and include, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral therapy, and some reality therapy.

Get started View profile
This is Marsha Kerr's avatar and link to their profile

Marsha Kerr

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyDepression
25 years of experience

The focus of your treatment with me will be YOU - and not the application of particular therapeutic philosophies or modalities. Understanding your treatment goals or helping you sort that out if you are unsure, or assisting with whatever struggles you are facing will be my role as your therapist. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field and I look forward to listening to you and understanding you, which is a collaborative process. I am a graduate of the clinical social work program at New York University. Over the years I have devoted a considerable amount of my professional energy to working with the most underserved and disenfranchised populations among us, while also building my experience working with mainstream adults struggling to find their purpose and what brings them the most fulfillment, contentment, and daily happiness. I am a strong proponent of a focus on gratitude and mindfulness and making the most of each day, regardless of our circumstances. I look forward to getting to know you and doing my best to assist you in meeting your therapy goals !

Get started View profile
This is Cassandra Sams's avatar and link to their profile

Cassandra Sams

Offering therapy in FL
License: EdS,LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. I spent 2 years of my career working at a Children's Advocacy Center, 7 years working in an Adolescent treatment facility, 6 years in private practice, and 2 years in a family counseling center. I have helped others with a wide range of challenges such as anxiety and depression, self-injurious behaviors, low self-esteem, co-dependency concerns, sexual trauma, as well as relationship concerns amongst couples and amongst family members. I have a Specialist in Education degree from Georgia State University and I am Licensed to practice in both Georgia and Florida. When working with clients I use a blend of cognitive-behavioral approaches as well as reality therapy and humanistic approaches. You will find that I enjoy the creative processes as well and may encourage clients to engage in art therapy techniques in order to stimulate a different way of thinking about life's challenges. My goal for clients is for them to feel safe and to feel heard when they meet with me. Clients are the experts on their life obstacles and I view myself as merely a witness to the client's strength and resourcefulness as they overcome these obstacles. It is my sincerest desire to simply be a guide on the route to wholeness.

Get started View profile
This is Ekaterina Maza's avatar and link to their profile

Ekaterina Maza

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My approach focuses on building on your strengths and emphasizing your personal goals for the future. I help and support you through challenges and the fears you are facing while increasing your self-awareness and self-worth. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and strength based approaches throughout our sessions together. Additionally, I am fluent in Russian. I look forward to helping you move towards the person you desire to be.

Get started View profile
This is Courtney Parker's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Parker

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hi, I'm Courtney! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 3 years of experience. I am passionate about helping clients explore healthier ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, improve relationships, and live a mindful and authentic life. My goal is to guide you through the process of gaining recognition toward unhelpful or destructive behaviors that may be hindering your progress and collaboratively develop an active coping plan you can feel confident to implement in your life. My style is warm, empathetic and, compassionate, balanced with an appropriate level of challenging the client's maladaptive responses and patterns. I incorporate concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) in working with client's toward achieving their treatment goals. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and holistic. I view clients through a Trauma-Informed, Family-Systems, and Multicultural lens. Clients can expect to be provided with a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Treatment goals are collaboratively established to meet each client's unique needs. Deciding to ask for help is a form of self-compassion which may award you the priceless gift of cultivating a life worth living. Congratulations on taking a courageous step toward living the fulfilling and meaningful life you deserve. I look forward to the privilege of walking alongside you on your journey.

Get started View profile
This is Rebecca Vincent's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Vincent

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. My goal as your therapist is to help you explore and incorporate your creative capacity for change, to heal yourself and empower you to live the life you’ve been waiting for. My approach is client centered and collaborative. I incorporate therapeutic strategies from attachment- based psychotherapies, mindfulness, self-compassion, and utilize creative interventions (songwriting, art), bibliotherapy and journaling in counseling. I enjoy working with a diversity of clients and have experience providing culturally competent and affirming therapy to LGBTQ+, kink, poly and ethically non-monogamous clients. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Kachell George's avatar and link to their profile

Kachell George

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, blended families, family conflicts, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is William Hicks's avatar and link to their profile

William Hicks

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief
30 years of experience

I have learned over my 30+ years of helping people that most people seeking help are not crazy, mentally ill, or sick. They just want someone to talk to that will help them figure out how to make their life better. If this sounds good to you, and you live in Florida, then let's get connected. Go over to my calendar, pick an open day and time and let’s get started. I look forward to our time together.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in The Villages

Finding the best therapist close by in The Villages can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in The Villages. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in The Villages, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in The Villages or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater The Villages area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of The Villages, elsewhere in Sumter, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the The Villages area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed The Villages therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in The Villages due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in The Villages may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in The Villages, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in The Villages above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in The Villages helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified The Villages therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a The Villages therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A The Villages therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 34785 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a The Villages counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A The Villages licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in The Villages, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

The Villages has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of The Villages.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in The Villages:

32159, 32162, 32163, 34785

Popular cities near The Villages, FL

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist